Montes

Aurelio is credited with pioneering Chile's quality wine revolution, identifying potential in previously unknown vineyard sites and establishing appellations now recognised for producing some of Chile's finest wines. The winery's founding philosophy was straightforward: establishing a portfolio of fine wines representing a standard previously absent from the Chilean market. Today, Montes remains a leader in Chilean viticulture, combining rigorous vineyard management with a long-standing commitment to sustainability—recognised through B-Corp certification in 2024.

About Montes

Montes is based in Apalta, within the Colchagua Valley, a region Aurelio identified in his 20s as having exceptional potential despite its challenging terrain. Apalta's name translates to 'poor soils', describing the area's alluvial soils comprising sandy loam and clay, alongside granite on steep hillsides. Though difficult for traditional agriculture, Aurelio recognised the site's suitability for high-quality grape growing. His quality-focused farming approach deliberately restricted production volumes while ensuring fruit reached optimal ripeness at harvest. The winery's campaign for Apalta to receive DO (Denominación de Origen) status culminated in official recognition in 2018.

Montes sources grapes from multiple sites across the Colchagua Valley and beyond. In Apalta, the winery produces two flagship single-vineyard reds from the Finca Apalta parcel on the area's highest, steepest slopes: Folly (a Syrah) and Alpha M (a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot). The winery also blends Apalta fruit with grapes from Marchigüe, located just 25 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean. Marchigüe's flatter landscape and clay soils with excellent water retention produce different terroir expressions. Here, Montes grows Carménère blended with Petit Verdot for the Purple Angel, a deeply flavoured, structured red that has consistently achieved scores of 97+ points across multiple releases from James Suckling. Beyond Colchagua, Montes works with vineyards in Leyda Valley, Aconcagua Costa, Casablanca Valley and Curicó Valley, each location offering distinct microclimates and soil profiles that inform the house style.

Montes Wines in Our Collection

Our range spans Montes' three core tiers. The Classic Series offers entry-level quality: the 2024 Central Valley Chardonnay from Curicó Valley (93 points) delivers tropical, balanced white wine character, while the 2023 Central Valley Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon from Colchagua Valley (both 93 points) are bold, structured reds. The 2022 Colchagua Malbec (93 points) rounds out this tier with dark fruit intensity.

The Limited Selection showcases regional specialisation. The 2024 and 2025 Leyda Valley Sauvignon Blancs (both 93 points) express the valley's green, flinty character, while the 2023 Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir (90 points, Wine Spectator) brings light, perfumed elegance. The 2023 Aconcagua Costa Chardonnay (89 points) from Casablanca Valley shows tropical balance with complexity.

The Alpha range represents mid-to-premium quality. The 2022 Colchagua Cabernet Sauvignon (94 points, James Suckling) and 2021 Colchagua Carmenère (92 points, James Suckling) are bold, structured wines of considerable depth. The 2022 Colchagua Merlot and Malbec (both 93 points) offer similar intensity. The 2023 Aconcagua Costa Pinot Noir (93 points) shifts to lighter, perfumed territory.

The 2021 Purple Angel Colchagua (97 points, James Suckling) is the flagship: a Carménère-led blend scoring 94–97 points across multiple critics, including 95 from Patricio Tapia's Descorchados and Decanter World Wine Awards recognition. This wine represents the culmination of Montes' site selection and blending expertise.

Food Pairing

Montes' Classic and Limited Selection whites—Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc—pair with seafood, grilled fish, fresh cheeses and salads. The reds across all tiers suit roasted lamb, beef steak, peppery game dishes and mature hard cheeses. The Purple Angel's dark fruit and structure handles slow-cooked beef, venison and aged cheddar. Lighter Pinot Noirs work with roasted chicken, mushroom risotto and soft cheeses.

Who is Aurelio Montes and why does he matter?

Aurelio Montes founded the winery in 1987 and pioneered Chile's quality wine revolution. He identified vineyard potential in previously unknown sites like Apalta, creating appellations now recognised for producing Chile's finest wines.

What makes Apalta special?

Apalta's poor soils (sandy loam, clay and granite) are difficult for traditional farming but ideal for high-quality grapes. Aurelio's rigorous farming approach yields perfectly ripe fruit. The area received official DO status in 2018.

Which Montes wine should I start with?

The Classic Series (Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec at 93 points) offers excellent quality entry point. For premium reds, try the 2022 Alpha Cabernet Sauvignon (94 points James Suckling) or 2021 Purple Angel (97 points).

Who makes Montes wines?

Aurelio founded Montes in Apalta, Colchagua Valley, Chile. He pioneered Chile's quality wine revolution by identifying vineyard potential in previously unknown sites and establishing recognised appellations. Montes remains a leader in Chilean viticulture today.

What style of wine does Montes make?

Montes produces whites from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, and reds from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Malbec across multiple Chilean regions. The 2024 Chardonnay scores 93 points with tropical, balanced character; reds are bold and structured.

How much does Montes wine cost?

Montes wines range between £11.15 and £16.20. The Classic Series starts at £11.15; Limited Selection sits around £12.65; the Alpha tier reaches £16.20.